20 Proven Ways To Make Your Brain Smarter
- Brain Hacks
- Aug 10, 2024
- Written by Jeffrey Ferris
We all want to be brighter, sharper, and more mentally agile. The good news is that our brains are incredibly adaptable, and we can enhance our cognitive abilities in many ways. This article explores 20 practical, science-backed methods to make your brain smarter. Whether a student, professional, or someone interested in personal growth, these strategies can help you unlock your brain’s full potential.
20 Habits That Can Help You Become Smarter
1. Regular Exercise
Physical activity isn’t just good for your body; it’s fantastic for your brain too.
Benefits of Exercise for Brain Health
- Increases blood flow to the brain
- Promotes the growth of new brain cells
- Improves memory and cognitive function
Try incorporating at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your daily routine. This could be a brisk walk, cycling, or swimming.
“Exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain in terms of mood, memory, and learning,” says Harvard psychiatrist John Ratey.
2. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is crucial for brain health and cognitive function.
How Sleep Boosts Brain Power?
- Consolidates memories
- Clears toxins from the brain
- Improves focus and concentration
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality.
3. Learn a New Language
Bilingualism or multilingualism can significantly enhance cognitive abilities.
Cognitive Benefits of Language Learning
- Improves memory
- Enhances multitasking skills
- Delays the onset of dementia
Start with a language app or take a local language class to begin your language learning journey.
4. Play Brain-Training Games
Engaging in mentally stimulating games can help keep your brain sharp.
Effective Brain-Training Games
- Sudoku
- Crossword puzzles
- Chess
- Cognifit
- Trivia
- Scrabble
Dedicate 15-20 minutes daily to these brain-boosting activities.
5. Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Meditation isn’t just for relaxation; it can also improve brain function.
How Meditation Enhances Brain Power
- Increases gray matter in the brain
- Improves focus and attention
- Reduces stress and anxiety
Start with just 5 minutes a day and gradually increase your meditation practice.
6. Read Regularly
Reading is a fantastic way to stimulate your brain and expand your knowledge.
Benefits of Regular Reading
- Improves vocabulary
- Enhances empathy
- Reduces cognitive decline
Try to read for at least 30 minutes every day. Mix up your reading material to expose yourself to different ideas and writing styles.
7. Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet
What you eat can have a significant impact on your brain function.
Brain-Boosting Foods
- Fatty fish (rich in omega-3s)
- Blueberries (high in antioxidants)
- Nuts and seeds (good source of vitamin E)
- Turmeric
- Broccoli
- Pumpkin seeds
- Dark chocolate
- Oranges
- Eggs
Incorporate these foods into your diet regularly for optimal brain health.
8. Stay Socially Active
Social interaction is crucial for maintaining cognitive function.
How Social Activities Boost Brain Power
- Stimulates mental engagement
- Reduces stress and depression
- Lowers risk of cognitive decline
Make an effort to connect with friends and family regularly, or join community groups to stay socially active.
9. Learn a New Skill
Challenging your brain with new activities can help create new neural pathways.
Skills That Boost Brain Power
- Playing a musical instrument
- Painting or drawing
- Cooking new recipes
Choose a skill that interests you and commit to learning it over time.
10. Practice Active Recall
Instead of passively reviewing information, actively try to recall it.
How to Use Active Recall
- After reading a chapter, close the book and summarize key points
- Use flashcards to test your knowledge
- Explain concepts to others
This technique strengthens memory and improves long-term retention of information.
11. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for optimal brain function.
How Hydration Affects Brain Power
- Improves concentration
- Enhances memory function
- Boosts overall cognitive performance
Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, adjusting based on your activity level and climate.
12. Reduce Stress
Chronic stress can have negative effects on brain health.
Stress-Reduction Techniques
- Deep breathing exercises
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Regular exercise
Incorporate stress-management techniques into your daily routine to protect your brain health.
13. Take Breaks
Regular breaks can actually improve productivity and cognitive function.
Benefits of Taking Breaks
- Improves focus
- Enhances creativity
- Reduces mental fatigue
- Breaks restore your motivation
- Breaks fuel your creativity
- Breaks improve your memory and learning
- Breaks prevent fatigue and improve concentration
Try the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
14. Limit Screen Time
Excessive screen time can negatively impact brain health.
Tips for Reducing Screen Time
- Set specific times for checking emails and social media
- Use apps to track and limit screen time
- Engage in offline activities during leisure time
Aim to reduce your non-essential screen time by at least an hour each day.
15. Practice Gratitude
Cultivating gratitude can have positive effects on brain function and overall well-being.
How Gratitude Boosts Brain Power
- Increases dopamine and serotonin production
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves sleep quality
Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
16. Engage in Creative Activities
Creativity stimulates the brain and can improve cognitive function.
Brain-Boosting Creative Activities
- Writing stories or poetry
- Crafting or DIY projects
- Solving puzzles or riddles
Set aside time each week for creative pursuits that you enjoy.
17. Get Regular Sunlight Exposure
Sunlight exposure can have positive effects on brain function.
Benefits of Sunlight for Brain Health
- Regulates circadian rhythm
- Boosts vitamin D production
- Improves mood and cognitive performance
Aim for 10-30 minutes of sunlight exposure daily, preferably in the morning.
18. Try Intermittent Fasting
Some studies suggest that intermittent fasting may have cognitive benefits.
Potential Brain Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
- Promotes the growth of new neurons
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Enhances cognitive function
Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any fasting regimen.
19. Practice Good Posture
Believe it or not, your posture can affect your brain function.
How Good Posture Boosts Brain Power
- Improves blood flow to the brain
- Reduces stress and increases confidence
- Enhances focus and concentration
Be mindful of your posture throughout the day, especially when sitting for long periods.
20. Embrace Lifelong Learning
Continuous learning throughout life can help keep your brain sharp.
Ways to Embrace Lifelong Learning
- Take online courses
- Attend workshops or seminars
- Read about diverse topics
Set learning goals for yourself and pursue new knowledge regularly.
What We Think?
Enhancing your brain power is a journey, not a destination. Incorporating these 20 strategies into your daily life can gradually improve your cognitive function and overall brain health. Remember, consistency is critical. Start with a few techniques that resonate with you and gradually incorporate more over time. Your brain has incredible potential – give it the care and stimulation it needs to thrive.
